Royal Irish Fusiliers

[Zumfan]

My great-uncle was in the 1st Bn Royal Irish Fusiliers but had not a drop of Irish blood in him. How did men decide which unit of the army to join? Previously he was in the South Lancashire Regt, and had no connection with that county either.

[jay dubaya]

Hi Zumfan,

As the war progressed and more manpower was needed, recruits were sent where they were needed If your Great Uncle enlisted or was conscripted after the initial rush to join the colours, then this is likely what happened to him, the choice of battalion to which men wished to join no longer played any part. Men didn't need to have any connection to the counties. 2 of my reletives served with Scottish units during the war...and they were Yorkshire lads,

cheers, Jon